Jan (Jenkins) Young died peacefully in the early morning light of April 29, 2022 as the birds sang her out. She passed in the place she wanted, with the same calm beauty she gave so generously to others.Jan grew up and lived most of her life in the first house on Pukoa Street, which later had the first pool in Kailua. She played sky-innie, had papaya fights and dug a lot of holes. She studied art with David Asherman in Honolulu and continued her studies at University of Oregon and University of Hawaii.
She was married to Mason Young for 50 years, had 3 children who made her smile (Kamuela, Puna and Pila) and is Tutu to 7 grandchildren and Aunty Jan to so many more.
She taught Art and History at Kailua High School for 30+ years, reminding her students that the two - art and history - were a pair. She was quick to encourage a student's excitement, which could result in a call to NASA or an invitation to her home for Raku pottery weekends or AP study sessions. She believed there was something special in every kid, and like the sculptor she was, she looked for and marveled at its expression.
In retirement she became a wood turner and maker of toys. Always creative, she worked with only 'found wood'. Her shop was full with logs, gifts from the backyards of family, friends and students. Her happy place became her shop, floor covered in saw dust and lathe curls, the smell of wood everywhere. She delighted in making wooden cars that really rolled that a kid could fit in their pocket. She loved the moment they understood they could take it home.
She felt like soft light on the soul for so many. She will be deeply missed.
Services in celebration of her life are Saturday, May14th at 2pm at Christ Church Uniting, 1300 Kailua Rd.
Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
